If you’re thinking of trading in your iPhone for $650 off a new iPhone 16, there are the strict trade-in conditions to think about. Even minor damage can drop your phone’s trade-in value to $0, so it’s a good idea to get repairs done before heading to the Apple Store.
Michael Simon from Macworld experienced this situation. His iPhone 15 Pro Max, which should have fetched a high trade-in value, had a small crack on the back. The glass wasn’t falling apart, and a repair would have only cost $29 with AppleCare Plus, but Apple still offered him $0 for the trade-in.
Apple’s trade-in system asks if your phone’s buttons work and if the body is in good shape. If you answer “No,” the value drops to nothing. Even without AppleCare, the repair would have cost $199, which is far less than losing the entire trade-in value.
With iPhone 16 preorders starting tomorrow, September 13, it’s important to ensure your device is in good condition if you want to lower the cost of your new phone through the trade-in program. If repairs are needed, act fast.
Is the system perfect? No. Apple doesn’t take small damages into account and doesn’t allow for partial deductions for repairs. If you answer their trade-in questions inaccurately, they’ll still adjust the value once they inspect your phone. Even minor damage can wipe out the trade-in value completely, so carefully inspect your device before sending it in.
If your phone is damaged and you still want to get something for it, think about selling it to someone directly instead of using the trade-in program. Often times, you’ll get a better deal.
